Perspectives and Metaphors for Human-Computer Interaction

Computers are becoming omnipresent in the work place. People spend large portions of their time in interaction with computers. Consequently, the design of application systems and in particular of human-computer interaction (HCI) has become a major factor of influence on work contents and working conditions. The design of ergonomic and humane, of adequately demanding and socially acceptable work requires a deep understanding and respect for the properties, capabilities and limitations of the individual. In this context the design of a human-computer interface becomes a late step in a design process that starts with the distribution of tasks among organizational units and among people and the distribution of functions between humans and machines before it arrives at such questions as machine and interaction design2.